The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the degree, exclusive of coursework or other study required to remove deficiencies, is 40. In addition to these basic degree requirements, students without previous work experience that supports attainment of careers and leadership roles in public and nonprofit organizations must complete an additional 6 semester credit hours of PAD 6963 Internship or PAD 6966 Internship; 46 credit hours are required for students without prior work experience.
UTSA’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for public service careers and leadership roles in government, public and nonprofit realms. The MPA Faculty works to nurture a student’s commitment to ethical public service in their respective communities. All classes are offered through in-class instruction and held in the city’s political, economic and cultural center, on the conveniently-located UTSA Downtown Campus. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
Our Mission: The UTSA MPA program contributes to regional governance by educating skilled and responsible leaders and managers for the public and non-profit sectors. The program faculty, comprised of academics and practitioners, guide students to broaden their world views and develop their analytical and decision-making skills through teaching informed by community-relevant research and public sector experience. The MPA course of study enables a diverse body of pre-service and mid-career students who are passionate about public service to improve their organizations and communities. The program empowers students to fulfill their potential as ethical public servants who formulate and solve complex problems collaboratively. Possessing breadth of management and analytical knowledge, MPA graduates: are cognizant of the diversity of values, interests, and stakeholders; address public issues with effectiveness, professional skill and transparency; and, advocate and implement public policies for the advancement of justice, fairness, and democracy.
View current MPA Graduation & Employment Data
Program Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, applicants must:
- satisfy University-wide graduate admission requirements.
- complete (or have completed) an undergraduate course in U.S. government or politics (3 hours).
- submit a letter of intent.
- The 500 word letter of intent should state the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the M.P.A., how their educational and/or career experience has prepared them for the M.P.A. program, and how the degree will help the applicant achieve her or his goals.
- submit two letters of recommendation are required from persons familiar with the applicants academic and/or work abilities (normally, professors and/or work supervisors).
Applicants may be admitted as unconditional, conditional, or special graduate students. Admission as a special graduate student does not guarantee subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student; such students must reapply for degree-seeking status.
VIP Admissions Program for Current UTSA Students and Alumni
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Degree Requirements
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy degree requirements see the UTSA Graduate Catalog.
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership
For more information, contact:
Department of Public Administration
Durango Building (Downtown Campus) DB 4.114
Patricia Jaramillo, PhD
210-458-2716